The logo of the company KTM originally contained the words Fun in Motion. From 1996 to 1999, the company’s logo was orange with black capital letters. From 2003 on, the company’s logo was reduced to three capital letters, blue with white trim. Today, the company’s logo is used on many of its products. Here are some interesting facts about the company’s history. Read on to learn more. Despite its relatively low profile, KTM is one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers. And let’s not forget the eye-catching dirt bike graphics that adorn KTM’s machines, often featuring bold geometric patterns and vibrant colors, adding an extra layer of personality and flair to these high-performance beasts.
The company KTM was first established in 1953, and today is one of the leading manufacturers of motorcycles. Its founder, Ernest Kronreif, was a shareholder. He launched the R125 Tourist in 1954 and the Mirabell in 1955. In 1957, KTM entered its first six-day endurance trial and finished first. By the end of that decade, the company had already manufactured 42 different models. Later, KTM started manufacturing motors and radiators and sold them to other car manufacturers in Europe.
In the early 1950s, KTM was one of the most popular motorcycle manufacturers. It was the first to produce four-engine motorcycles with an air cooling system. KTM also created motorcycles with front and rear disc brakes, which greatly reduced unsprung mass. The company’s logo, adorned with a tiger, became one of the most recognizable symbols of the motorcycle industry. Today, KTM is still a major player in the world of motorcycle racing.
The company is committed to the development of high-end motorcycles for the growing number of children. The company’s 125EXE series consists of two models: a dual-use motorcycle for urban use, and a supermoto for the country’s most demanding terrain. Both feature universal tires, high-quality alloy components, and a new two-stroke engine. Its chrome-molybdenum-steel frame and inverted front fork are notable features. The PDS system provides a progressive characteristic without an intermediate linkage.
In 1967, the company began manufacturing motorcycles for the professional off-road market. Its R24 motorcycle sold 10,000 units, and in 1968, the company exported the Six Days Comet to the United States. The Penton motorcycle sold for more than $350, and the company started a new company, KTM Sportmotorcycle Gmbh. Although the company faced bankruptcy at this time, it was still able to continue manufacturing motorcycles and winning several races.
The motorbike division of the company is owned by Pierer, who joined the business in 1992. Its bicycle division, however, is not related to Pierer and is operated separately. In 2014, Pierer launched an e-bike division, led by pioneers in the e-bike industry. In December of the same year, the company announced a joint venture with German e-bike manufacturer Varta. The partnership continued until the end of this year, during which KTM supplied Polaris with 510 cc RFS engines.
The company offers both street and off-road bikes. The RC16, a 1000-cc sport bike, is a new addition to the company’s line of bikes. It will compete in the MotoGP class of the 2017 Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix. The company has not confirmed whether it will produce a production street version. In the meantime, the company sells street-legal versions of its RC 200 and RC 250.